Sesshoumaru 20

Kagome 19


November 15, 1998


It was tradition. A weird tradition, if I may say so, but a tradition nonetheless. Every week, Sesshoumaru Taisho would board the bus at the central location, right in front of the Fine Arts Center. He'd climb up the high steps, flash his Student ID, and head towards the back, where he'd promptly flip open a book.

Every week, his silent routine would be interrupted by the next bus stop, where she would always get on. Then, she'd scan the bus, and grin happily upon seeing him. He would always seemingly ignore her until she jumped onto the seat next to him and beam at him.

After their confrontation in their senior year of high school, now over two years ago, the two had decided to remain friends, but at a distance. They had different groups of friends, and barely interacted with one another, with the exception of their current tradition and unforeseen events. The two hadn't even realized they would be going to the same university until they had chanced upon one another on this very bus.

He had been seated in the back, as he was now, and reading a book for his class, Human Geography. He had a test the next day, and his studying was currently being interrupted by two very loud girls squealing about some actor in a movie they just saw. Recognizing the name, he lowered his book, and listened more intensely to their conversation.

"Edward Norton is gorgeous! Kami! What I wouldn't give to have him as my husband!" He scoffed at the redhead's comments. 'Edward Norton is a weakling. He betrays his only friend. How could anyone admire such a man?'

"Ayame, I don't know what you're talking about. Matt Damon was by far the superior man. Did you see him at all? He has this wonderful honesty that surrounds him. He was honorable and strong! He challenged a man to save his friend, when he truly believed he would not succeed! Is that not courageous?" He smirked at the other girl's reaction. 'She's right. A real warrior would defend his friends and challenge those who threaten to harm them.'

"Kagome! Not this again! Just because you have a thing for the guy next door type doesn't mean you can't appreciate Edward!"

'…Kagome?'

"I won't apologize for having good taste! Matt is a respectable man who will make it big, I swear. I tell you, 9 years from now, he'll be the Sexiest Man Alive! Everyone will appreciate Matt!"

His breath caught as he recognized the name and voice. "Kagome…"

The girl to his left froze and slowly turned around. "…yes?" When she finally saw him, she gasped. "Sesshoumaru?!"

Before he could speak, he found his book knocked aside as she launched herself into his arms. "Sesshoumaru! I didn't know you went here! Kami! It's been so long!"

Their reunion was interrupted by a soft cough. Kagome's friend look slightly offended as she leaned forward.

"Hey! Since Kagome seems a little preoccupied, I guess I'll introduce myself. Ayame Tsume. I'm guessing you must be Kagome's Sesshoumaru-sama." Ignoring her blush, Ayame continued. "It's nice to put a face to the name. I always wondered what the guy she gushed about looked like."

Kagome, throughout the exchange, buried her face into his chest, hiding her face. Her blush grew as she felt him chuckle and extend a hand to her friend.

"Sesshoumaru Taisho. A pleasure to meet you."

His smirk grew as Ayame laughed and poked her friend. "Kagome! You never told me he was sex on a platter!"

Kagome just nudged her nose further into his shirt and tried to ignore her friend. He let his left hand fall to her hip as his right reached up to give her a hug.

He was brought out of his musings when he felt his left hand be enveloped by warmth.

"So, Sesshoumaru, what have you done this week?"

'This tradition really makes no sense. Why do we not just meet at a café or at the Student Center?'

"Nothing of much consequence."

"Don't be like that," she said, slapping him lightly on the arm. "Where did my bold Sess-chan go?" Kami, how he hated that name.

"Your 'Sess-chan' is at college and has outgrown his childish ignorance."

"Is that your way of saying, 'I have a huge test tomorrow and I'm really frustrated?'"

He just growled and resumed his reading.

Kagome rolled her eyes and relaxed, leaning onto him as she gave his hand a squeeze.

After a few minutes, she closed her eyes and laid her head on his shoulder. "Sesshoumaru? Sess-kun?"

Sighing, he lowered his book and looked down at her face. "Yes?"

"Happy birthday," she whispered before falling asleep.

He allowed a small smile to drift across his face before he tightened his hold on the girl. He closed his book and put it to the side, looking through the windows as the landscape passed before them. As his eyelids grew heavy, he turned towards the girl who captured his hand and heart, and laid his head upon hers, joining her in his dreams.